Discipline Lead Data Centers

About the role

WSP is looking for an experienced Africa Data Centre Delivery Lead to shape and grow its Data Centers business across Africa. The role brings together multidisciplinary expertise across mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, ICT, sustainability, project management and advisory services, and builds strong relationships with hyperscalers, colocation providers, developers and investors.

Key responsibilities

• Lead delivery of major data centre programmes across Africa and selected global markets, from pursuit and mobilisation through design, construction, commissioning and handover
• Act as primary escalation point for strategic project, commercial and delivery risks and ensure projects meet client requirements for programme, cost, quality, resilience and sustainability
• Lead and coordinate integrated teams of specialists, mentor Project Directors, Design Managers and Discipline Leads, and align resources across offices and regions
• Build executive-level client relationships, act as senior client sponsor and lead engagement with hyperscalers, colocation providers, developers, contractors and investors
• Drive BIM-enabled delivery, champion best practices, promote lessons learned and support standardised delivery frameworks
• Oversee project financial performance, resource planning, risk management, contract administration and change management
• Represent WSP at industry forums, identify trends such as AI infrastructure, cloud expansion and liquid cooling, and develop partner ecosystems with financial and commercial advisors, ESG specialists, asset managers and others
• Model SHEQ standards and contribute to identifying SHEQ risks

Required profile

• Minimum NQF 8 degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Project Management or a related discipline
• At least 15 years' experience delivering major mission-critical, data centre or complex infrastructure projects
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary design and delivery teams and delivering large-scale data centre programmes from concept to commissioning
• Experience across multiple countries and cultures, and strong commercial, contractual and financial management skills
• Preferred: professional registration, experience in African and international data centre markets, experience leading geographically distributed teams, knowledge of commissioning and operational readiness, and experience with hyperscaler, colocation or cloud provider clients

Required skills

• BIM-enabled project execution
• Commissioning and operational readiness of mission-critical systems
• Contract administration and change management
• Stakeholder management and client engagement

What we offer

• Competitive pay
• First-class medical cover and generous annual leave
• Paid professional subscriptions
• Flexible arrangements such as working from home, part-time work or flexible start and finish times